How long should my resume be?

For most professionals, 1-2 pages. Recent graduates: 1 page. Senior professionals with 10+ years: 2 pages is acceptable. Be concise—every line should add value.

What format should I use for my resume?

Use a clear, scannable format with headings, bullet points, and consistent formatting. Avoid complex graphics if applying to roles that use ATS—simple formats parse better.

Should I include a summary or objective?

A brief professional summary (2-4 lines) works well for experienced candidates. Objectives are outdated. Focus on what you offer, not what you want.

How to Write a Resume That Gets Results: Complete Guide

Your resume is your first impression. In a competitive job market, it needs to pass automated screening and catch a recruiter's attention in seconds. This guide covers structure, content, and formatting that get results.

Resume Structure: What to Include

Contact Information

Name, phone, email, and LinkedIn URL. Location (city/country) can help. Remove unnecessary details like full address or photo unless specifically requested.

Professional Summary

A 2-4 line summary at the top. Highlight years of experience, key skills, and what you're seeking. Tailor it for each role. Example: "Results-driven marketing manager with 8 years of experience in B2B SaaS. Expert in demand generation and team leadership. Seeking a senior role to scale growth initiatives."

Work Experience

List roles in reverse chronological order. For each role include: job title, company, dates, and 3-5 bullet points describing achievements. Use action verbs (led, developed, increased, implemented). Quantify where possible: "Reduced costs by 20%" beats "Reduced costs."

Education

Degree, institution, graduation year. Include relevant coursework, honours, or activities if you're early career. For experienced professionals, keep it brief.

Skills

List relevant skills—technical and soft. Match them to the job description. Group by category if you have many (e.g. Technical, Leadership, Tools).

Optional Sections

Certifications, languages, volunteer work, or projects—include if they strengthen your candidacy.

Content Tips That Get Interviews

Quantify achievements – Numbers stand out. "Managed a team of 12" or "Increased revenue by 15%" is more impactful than "Managed a team" or "Increased revenue."

Use keywords – Mirror language from the job description. ATS and recruiters look for these. Integrate naturally—don't keyword-stuff.

Lead with impact – Start each bullet with the result or action. "Reduced customer churn by 25% by implementing a feedback programme" is stronger than "Implemented a feedback programme."

Be specific – "Improved processes" is vague. "Streamlined order fulfilment, reducing delivery time from 5 days to 2" is specific.

Formatting and Design

Keep it scannable – Use clear headings, bullet points, and white space. Recruiters spend 6-10 seconds on an initial scan.

Use a simple font – Arial, Calibri, or similar. 10-12pt. Avoid elaborate designs if you're applying to roles that use ATS.

Save as PDF – Unless the employer requests Word. PDF preserves formatting across devices.

One or two pages – For most roles, one page is enough for early career; two pages acceptable for 10+ years of experience. Cut ruthlessly.

Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid

Typos and errors – Proofread multiple times. Errors suggest carelessness.

Generic content – Tailor for each role. Generic resumes get overlooked.

Irrelevant information – Focus on what matters for the job you want. Remove outdated or unrelated experience.

Gaps without explanation – If you have employment gaps, consider a brief note (e.g. "Career break for family") or emphasise relevant activities during that time.

Conclusion

A strong resume is clear, tailored, and achievement-focused. Invest time in getting it right. It's the foundation of every successful job application.